Thomas Harry Omohundro

1941 - 2025

Thomas Harry Omohundro

December 21, 1941 - January 12, 2025

Greensboro, North Carolina - Thomas (Tom) Harry Omohundro passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at his home in Greensboro, NC. Tom was born in Greensboro on December 21, 1941, to Harry Monroe Omohundro and Inez Hines Omohundro.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his sons Thomas Lyon Omohundro of Sausalito, CA, and Christopher Hines Omohundro (Jennifer) of Greensboro; his three grandchildren Jackie, Ellie, and Oliver; his sister Sue Omohundro Osborne, and her husband Frederick E. Osborne, Jr. of Wake Forest, NC; and eight nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Tom.

Tom graduated from Greensboro Senior High in 1961, then attended East Carolina College just long enough to develop a lifelong love of his Pirates football team.

Recognizing that academics were better suited for others, Tom volunteered to serve his country by joining the US Navy. He managed to exit the service prior to the Vietnam War but would always boast with a wry smile that he helped protect us during the "Dominican Crisis" whatever that was.

Tom's service in the Navy introduced him to healthcare, which would develop into his very successful career as a Respiratory Therapist. In 1968, he began his role as Chief of Respiratory Therapy at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh, and he and his young family moved to Wake Forest, NC. A mainstay of Wake Forest society for the subsequent decades, Tom helped coach his sons' soccer teams, served as emcee of the first two Miss Wake Forest pageants, and could generally be counted on to show up for most any civic or celebratory event.

After his sons had completed their education, Tom opted out of management to get closer to real patient care. He chose to work at the Duke Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to focus solely on helping at-risk babies. For the next nearly 20 years, Tom and his colleagues worked miracles on a daily basis to, as he put it, "heal and stamp" (heal the sick and stamp out disease). Tom developed lasting relationships with these children and their families. There is no way to estimate the number of lives Tom impacted through the love of his babies.

After Wake Forest, Tom moved to Raleigh to get closer to his favorite bars. There, he and his friends would meet regularly to solve the world's problems, discuss ECU and ACC football, ACC basketball, plan beach fishing trips and golf outings, and try to stay out of too much trouble. His second extended family of friends were as close as one could hope for, and they cared for Tom deeply.

Tom was always quick-witted and generous with a hearty laugh. He enjoyed seeing people have a good time, and his motto "ain't too busy" was more than just what was on his license plate. He had the unique ability to not get too burdened by life and was usually ready to join in something fun. His legacy of service to others and enjoying himself along the way will resonate forever with those who knew and loved him.

The family will hold a private graveside service on Friday, January 17. They welcome friends and family to gather at 12:00 p.m. at the home of Chris and Jennifer in Greensboro for a time of remembrance and support.

In lieu of flowers, please consider gifts to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Duke Health, and/or tip your local bartender. https://pediatrics.duke.edu/about-us/giving ("search" for NICU in the drop down).

Online register book available at www.forbisanddick.com.

Forbis and Dick, N. Elm Chapel, Greensboro is in charge of the arrangements.